Bob Family Travel Feed

Riviera Travel’s Flash Sale Is Stacking Up the Savings

Mon, 01 Jun 26 17:35:30 +0000

The best travel offers are often the ones that build on an already great experience, and that’s exactly what Riviera Travel is doing with its latest flash sale.

For a limited time, guests can receive an additional $250 per person in savings on 2026 European river cruise departures. Even better, the offer can be combined with Riviera Travel’s existing promotions, creating even more value across some of Europe’s most popular waterways.

Whether you’ve been considering the Rhine, Danube, Douro, Seine, or Rhône, planning ahead for 2026 could come with significant advantages. Riviera Travel is already offering up to 50% off select European river cruises, along with its popular all-inclusive drinks package, which includes a wide selection of wines, beers, spirits, soft drinks, and specialty coffees throughout your sailing.

What continues to draw people to river cruising is the experience itself. Unlike larger ocean ships, river cruises place you directly in the heart of the destination. One day you might be exploring a riverside village, the next wandering through a historic city centre, all while unpacking just once and enjoying the comfort of a smaller ship.

For groups, there’s even more value available. Riviera Travel’s group offer allows one guest to sail free for every eight guests booked, making it an attractive option for friends, family gatherings or social groups looking to explore Europe together.

The additional $250 per person flash sale is only available until the end of June 2026, making this an excellent opportunity for anyone considering a European river cruise next year.

Reach out to us to learn more about Riviera Travel’s 2026 river cruises, featured itineraries, and current offers.

Save Up to $1,200 in Family Vacation Savings with Transat

Mon, 01 Jun 26 17:31:39 +0000

Planning family travel usually comes down to timing. The earlier things are booked, the more options there are for preferred resorts, better flight schedules, and the kind of pricing that makes the trip feel worthwhile from the start.

That’s part of what makes Transat’s Early Bird Sale stand out right now. Families who book by June 21, 2026 can save up to $1,200 per family on eligible vacation packages for travel between September 1, 2026, and April 30, 2027.

The offer also adds a level of flexibility that many people are looking for when planning ahead. Reduced deposits starting at just $100 per person make booking feel far more manageable, while the inclusion of a future travel credit and discounted Option Flex coverage adds extra peace of mind before departure.

For families travelling during peak winter periods, that flexibility can make a major difference. Having the option of travel protection or a price drop guarantee allows people to book earlier without feeling locked into every detail months in advance.

Whether the plan is a warm Caribbean escape during the colder months or a family break timed around school holidays, booking earlier often means having access to the resorts and travel dates people actually want instead of settling later on.

Transat’s Early Bird Sale is available until June 21, 2026.

Reach out to us to learn more about available destinations, family packages and current Transat offers.

Sunwing's Cancun Escapes Are Looking Better Than Ever

Fri, 29 May 26 19:37:10 +0000

Some destinations never seem to go out of style, and Cancun is one of them.

Long stretches of white sand, warm turquoise water, vibrant resorts, and direct access from Canada have made Cancun a fan favourite for everyone from couples and friends to families looking for a quick getaway.

Right now, Sunwing is making that escape even more appealing with savings of up to 40% on select Cancun vacation packages. For those who have been thinking about taking a break before summer gets into full swing, it’s the kind of offer that makes booking feel a lot easier.

Beyond the savings, the convenience is part of the appeal. Packages include a first checked bag, one carry-on, and in-destination airport transfers, helping simplify the travel experience from the moment you leave home until you arrive at your resort.

Whether your ideal vacation involves long afternoons by the pool, beachfront dining, exploring local culture, or simply enjoying a few days without a schedule, Cancun continues to deliver the kind of getaway people return to year after year.

With travel available through the end of June, this promotion offers an excellent opportunity to turn a vacation idea into something that’s actually booked and on the calendar.

Reach out to us to learn more about available Cancun resorts, travel dates and current Sunwing offers.

Up to CAD$1,000 in Savings at Beaches Turks & Caicos

Fri, 29 May 26 19:29:34 +0000

Some family vacations are about the destination. Others are about finding a resort where everyone genuinely enjoys themselves from the moment they arrive.

That’s exactly why Beaches Turks & Caicos continues to be one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after family resorts. Set along the world-famous shores of Grace Bay Beach, the resort combines expansive pools, a massive waterpark, family-friendly accommodations and activities for every age group, all within one spectacular beachfront setting.

For a limited time, Air Canada Vacations has partnered with Beaches Turks & Caicos to offer up to CAD$1,000 in instant savings on eligible air-inclusive packages. The promotion is valid on any room category, giving families more flexibility when choosing the accommodation that best suits their needs.

Whether it’s spending the day at the waterpark, enjoying quality time on the beach, exploring the resort’s many dining options or simply relaxing together by the pool, Beaches Turks & Caicos delivers the kind of experience that makes family travel feel effortless.

With savings available across all room categories and travel dates extending through October, this offer presents an excellent opportunity for families looking to secure a Caribbean getaway at one of the region’s most recognized resorts.

The promotion is available for bookings made between May 25 and June 14, 2026, for travel between May 26 and October 31, 2026.

Terms & Conditions

Up to CAD$1,000 instant savings
Booking window: May 25 – June 14, 2026
Travel window: May 26 – October 31, 2026
Valid on any room category
Valid on stays of 5 nights or more
Applicable to air-inclusive packages only
Offered through the partnership between Air Canada Vacations and Beaches Turks & Caicos

Reach out to us to learn more about Beaches Turks & Caicos, available travel dates and current Air Canada Vacations offers.

Why We Took Over BOB Family Travel — and Why It Means Everything to Us

Tue, 26 May 26 19:24:03 +0000

There's a moment in every travel agent's career where something shifts — where it stops being just about booking trips and starts being about something bigger. For Craig and I, that moment came when Pat Probert sat down with us and told us he was ready to retire.

Pat built something really beautiful over the years. His clients didn't just trust him to handle their travel — they trusted him with the moments that matter most. Family reunions. Milestone birthdays. Once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Group trips that became stories people tell for decades. That kind of relationship isn't something you build overnight, and it isn't something you hand off lightly.

Pat knew that. Which is why he came to us, apparently he had his eye on us for a few years. We had traveled with several of our clients on some of his group itineraries a few times, and he liked how we treated and looked after our clients, and knew that was what he wanted for his clients.

When he shared that he was thinking about stepping back, our first thought wasn't about the business opportunity. Honestly, it was about his clients — the people who had been traveling with him for years, and who deserved to know that someone was still going to look after them the way Pat always had. We didn't want anyone to feel left behind. We didn't want someone who'd been planning a dream trip to suddenly feel like they had nowhere to turn. That mattered to us deeply, and I think it's a big part of why Pat trusted us with what he had built.

So, we said yes. And we have never looked back.

Craig is often the first point of contact now, just like Pat always was, and he genuinely loves getting to know new clients — understanding exactly what they're looking for, what makes their family tick, what kind of travel experience is going to feel truly special to them. I handle the details, the itineraries, the destination expertise, and being there when you need support while you're away. And Pat himself is still part of our extended family — you'll still see his name and number, because that's how much we believe in continuity and in making sure his clients always have someone familiar to reach.

We are a bigger and stronger team together, and we truly love what we do.

To Pat's former clients — and to anyone who is new to us — I want you to know that we don't take this lightly. The same high standard of service, the same personal attention, and the same commitment to making your travel experiences truly memorable. That is exactly what we are committed to continuing for you, your family, and your friends.

And to those of you who are discovering BOB Family Travel for the first time, we are so glad you found us. Whether you've been dreaming about a family safari in Africa, a cruise through Europe, or a bucket list trip to the Galapagos, a multigenerational trip that brings everyone together, or something completely different — we want to hear about it. That kind of conversation is honestly one of our favourite parts of this work.

Pat poured his heart into looking after people. We plan to do the same.

We truly look forward to being your travel team for many years to come.

Warmly, Marcia & Craig White BOB Family Travel Team

Ocean Cruising or River Cruising — Which One Is the Right Fit for You?

Tue, 26 May 26 19:09:30 +0000

One of the questions we get asked most often — and honestly, one of our favourite questions to answer — is this one: "Marcia and Craig, should I do an ocean cruise or a river cruise?"

And our answer is always the same: it depends on you.

Not on the price. Not on what your neighbour did last summer. Not on which one sounds more impressive at a dinner party. It depends on who you are as a traveller, what you want to feel when you wake up in the morning, and what kind of memories you're hoping to bring home. So let me walk you through both, because once you see them side by side, most people find that one of them just clicks.

Ocean Cruising — The Grand Adventure

If you've ever stood on a ship's balcony and watched the sun rise over open water, you already understand the appeal. Ocean cruising is big. It's expansive. It's the feeling of the whole world being within reach.

\Ocean ships are essentially floating resorts — and we mean that in the very best way. Think world-class dining, live entertainment, spas, pools, fitness centres, cooking classes, and enough onboard activities to keep every member of your family happily busy from morning until midnight. When you sail with a line like Celebrity Cruises, for example, you're talking about five-course dining by celebrated chefs, signature cocktail bars, a half-acre lawn where you can play bocce in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It's genuinely remarkable.

What ocean cruising does brilliantly is cover distance. In a single voyage, you might wake up in Amsterdam, spend a day in Cork, wander the streets of Belfast, and find yourself on the wild Shetland Islands a few days later — all without packing and unpacking your suitcase more than once. For families and groups especially, ocean cruising gives everyone something to love. The kids have their space, the adults have theirs, and you all come back together for the moments that matter.

Ocean cruising tends to be the right fit if you love variety, thrive on energy and atmosphere, want incredible value for what's included, or are travelling with a group of different ages and interests. It's also ideal if the journey itself — the sea days, the sunsets, the sense of movement and possibility — is as much a part of the experience as the ports.

River Cruising — The Intimate Discovery

Now, river cruising is a different kind of magic entirely. And once people try it, they are often completely converted.

Where ocean ships are grand, river ships are intimate. Most carry between 100 and 200 guests, which means you'll know your fellow passengers by name within a day or two. The ships are elegantly appointed — think boutique hotel more than resort — and they're designed to get you as close to the heart of a destination as possible. We mean that literally. River cruise ships dock right in the centre of cities. In Budapest, you step off the gangway and you're already on the Danube promenade. In Paris, you're steps from the Eiffel Tower. In the villages of the Douro Valley in Portugal, you're surrounded by vineyards you couldn't reach any other way.

River cruising moves at a gentler pace, and for many travellers, that's exactly what they're looking for. You're not just visiting a country — you're settling into it. Mornings might begin with a guided walk through a medieval market town. Afternoons are yours to explore on your own, at whatever speed feels right. Evenings bring you back to a beautiful ship where dinner is included, the wine flows freely, and the next extraordinary destination is already quietly gliding into view.

River cruising tends to be the right fit if you love culture, history, and the feeling of really getting to know a place rather than just passing through it. It's wonderful for couples, for food and wine lovers, for travellers who want a more relaxed and refined pace, and for anyone who finds large crowds overwhelming. It's also one of the most beautiful ways to experience Europe in all four seasons.

So — Which One Is Right for You?

Here's how we usually help our clients figure it out. Ask yourself a few honest questions:

Do you want your ship to be part of the experience — the entertainment, the dining, the onboard energy? Ocean cruising is probably your answer.

Do you want the destination to be the star, with the ship simply a beautiful and comfortable way to move between them? River cruising is likely calling your name.

Are you travelling with kids, teenagers, or a mixed-age group? Ocean cruising has the variety and the space to keep everyone happy.

Are you travelling as a couple, or with a small group of like-minded friends who love to explore together? River cruising will feel tailor-made for you.
Is budget a factor? Ocean cruising generally offers exceptional value, especially when you factor in everything that's included. River cruising is a premium experience with a higher price point — but for the right traveller, worth every single penny.

The Honest Truth

I've sailed both. I've helped hundreds of clients plan both. And the honest truth is — there is no wrong answer here. Both are extraordinary. Both will give you memories that stay with you for the rest of your life.

What we love most about our work is exactly this — sitting down with someone, really listening to what they're dreaming about, and helping them find the experience that fits their life like it was made for them. That's not something an algorithm can do. That's a conversation.

So, if you're sitting there trying to decide, I'd love to help. Give us a call, send us an email, or reach out by WhatsApp wherever you are in the world. Let's talk about what you're dreaming about, and we'll figure out the rest together.

That's what we're here for.

Norwegian Gem’s Transatlantic Crossing Is Turning Heads

Mon, 11 May 26 09:00:48 +0000

There’s been a noticeable shift toward longer, slower itineraries lately, and this Norwegian Gem sailing fits perfectly into that mindset.

The 15-day journey begins in Rome (Civitavecchia) before stopping in places like Barcelona, Cádiz, and Ponta Delgada in the Azores on the way to Nassau. It’s the kind of itinerary that mixes well-known cities with destinations many people wouldn’t normally think to visit on the same trip.

Part of the appeal is the pacing itself. In Cádiz, you can spend the day walking through Mercado Central de Abastos, stopping for seafood, local wine, and small cafés tucked between market stalls. In Ponta Delgada, the experience shifts completely with volcanic scenery, coastal roads, and natural hot springs that make the stop feel far removed from a typical European itinerary.

The sea days are also a big part of why this sailing stands out. Instead of constantly packing schedules with excursions and early mornings, there’s ample time to enjoy being on board. Long dinners, ocean views, quieter mornings, and a more relaxed atmosphere become part of the trip rather than just the downtime between destinations.

For those looking for something beyond the usual, this itinerary offers a completely different pace without feeling overly complicated or rushed.

Reach out to us to learn more about Norwegian Gem’s upcoming Transatlantic departures and available offers.

Club Med Summer Sale Includes Up to 40% Off Resorts

Mon, 11 May 26 08:47:05 +0000

There’s a reason travellers continue returning to Club Med year after year. The experience has always been less about excess and more about ease. The kind of travel where everything feels considered before you even arrive, allowing the focus to stay on the destination itself.

For a limited time, you can enjoy up to 40% off at participating Club Med resorts across destinations, including Punta Cana, Cancún, Turks & Caicos, Québec Charlevoix, and more, for travel through December 18, 2026. Depending on the resort and length of stay, guests can also receive up to $400 per person, per week in instant savings.

The offer also brings added value for families and solo travellers alike. Children under 4 stay free, while most participating resorts are offering no single supplement, making it easier for more travellers to plan the kind of getaway they actually want without the need for compromise.

What continues to set Club Med apart is the atmosphere surrounding the experience. Mornings that begin slowly near the water. Long lunches that turn into afternoons without plans. Evenings that feel relaxed rather than overproduced. Whether it’s the turquoise coastline of Turks & Caicos or the mountain scenery of Charlevoix, each destination carries its own distinct rhythm.

The offer is available until July 7, 2026, with travel dates running from May 23 through December 18, 2026.

Reach out to us to learn more about participating Club Med resorts, available travel dates, and current offers.

Discover Colombia with AmaWaterways and Save on Airfare

Mon, 11 May 26 07:04:19 +0000

Colombia brings a different energy to river cruising, one that feels colourful, soulful, and deeply immersive, and AmaWaterways is making it even easier to experience with a limited-time offer that delivers exceptional value for the journey.

Travellers who reserve eligible 2026 Magdalena River departures can receive complimentary round-trip economy airfare from major gateways across Canada.

Sailing along the Magdalena River offers a more immersive look into Colombia’s culture, music, landscapes, and local communities, with opportunities to experience colourful colonial towns, vibrant traditions, and authentic regional experiences throughout the journey.

To add even more value, gratuities are also included on the 7-night river cruise, allowing guests to enjoy a more seamless experience from beginning to end.

For those looking for something beyond the traditional river cruise experience, Colombia offers a completely different energy and perspective, one that feels rich in culture, warmth, and discovery.

This offer is available until June 30, 2026.

Reach out to us to learn more about AmaWaterways Magdalena River cruises and available departures.

What destinations do Bob Group trips cover?

Thu, 30 Apr 26 14:54:44 +0000

Our current and upcoming Bob Group trips cover a wide range: Alaska (Celebrity Edge June 2027 and Celebrity Solstice July 2027), the Caribbean (Virgin Voyages Southern Caribbean January 2027 and Celebrity Apex November 2027), the British Isles (Celebrity Eclipse August 2027), the Canary Islands and Portugal (Celebrity Apex September 2027), Newfoundland (June 2027), Croatia (sailing and cycling, October 2027), Africa Safari (spring 2027), and Japan (March 2028). New trips are added regularly — join the community to be notified first.

How do I sign up for a Bob Group trip?

Thu, 30 Apr 26 14:54:11 +0000

Browse the current Bob Group departures on this page. Each listing shows the destination, ship, dates, starting price, and availability status. Click "Join This Group" on the trip you're interested in to start the enquiry, or visit our Join The Family page to register as part of the broader Bob Family Travel community. Our advisors will follow up to walk you through cabin options, pricing, deposit requirements, and what's included in your specific group departure.

What are the benefits of booking a group cruise vs. booking independently?

Thu, 30 Apr 26 14:53:39 +0000

Group cruise bookings unlock several benefits that independent bookings can't access: group cabin rate discounts negotiated with the cruise line, dedicated group dining times so your group eats together, onboard group amenities (welcome cocktail parties, onboard credit, and sometimes complimentary cabins for trip leaders), a dedicated advisor managing all logistics, and the social experience of travelling with people who share your interests. Bob Groups also include exclusive pre-trip briefings and insider access that solo bookings don't receive.

Can I join a Bob Group trip if I'm travelling solo?

Thu, 30 Apr 26 14:52:39 +0000

Yes. Solo travelers are welcome on Bob Group trips. Some trips offer single-supplement options or single cabins specifically for solo travelers. Traveling in a group is one of the best ways to travel solo — you have the independence to do your own thing at port, but a built-in community for dinners, excursions, and shared moments onboard. Many of our most loyal solo travelers have met lifelong friends on Bob Group departures. Contact us to ask about single cabin availability on any specific trip.

What is a Bob Groups trip?

Thu, 30 Apr 26 14:49:01 +0000

Bob Groups are curated group departures — cruise and land vacations — organized by Bob Family Travel that anyone can join. Rather than travelling with strangers, you travel with a vetted community of like-minded people, led by an experienced Bob Family Travel advisor. Current group trips range from Alaska cruises aboard Celebrity Edge, to Caribbean sailings with Virgin Voyages, to an Africa safari, a Japan cultural tour, and active adventures in Croatia and Newfoundland. Most trips are priced per cabin, so you can join as a couple, solo, or with friends.

What is the best luxury cruise line for couples?

Thu, 30 Apr 26 14:45:47 +0000

For couples, Seabourn and Silversea consistently rank as the top luxury ocean cruise lines — both offer outstanding cuisine, intimate ship sizes (300–600 guests), and exceptional destination access. For river cruising, Uniworld is widely considered the most luxurious option, with gorgeously designed ships and nearly fully inclusive fares. The right choice depends heavily on destination and travel style. Our advisors have personal experience on these ships and can match you to the one that fits your specific trip.

Is a luxury cruise worth the extra cost?

Thu, 30 Apr 26 14:44:35 +0000

When you factor in everything that's included, the price gap between luxury and mainstream cruising narrows significantly. On a mainstream cruise, drinks packages, specialty dining, shore excursions, gratuities, and Wi-Fi can easily add CAD $200–$400 per person per day on top of the fare. A luxury fare that includes all of these typically represents excellent value — and the difference in food quality, service attentiveness, and cabin space is dramatic. For a milestone trip, most travelers who try luxury cruising don't go back.

Are luxury cruises all-inclusive?

Thu, 30 Apr 26 14:42:51 +0000

Most luxury cruise lines offer a genuinely all-inclusive experience — far more so than mainstream ocean cruise lines. Typically included: all meals in every venue, premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and many shore excursions. Lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises include business-class airfare, pre-cruise hotel nights, and unlimited shore excursions. Seabourn and Silversea include nearly everything onboard. Oceania (now adults-only as of January 2026) includes premium dining but charges for drinks and excursions separately. We clarify exactly what is and isn't included before you book.

What makes a luxury cruise different from a regular cruise?

Thu, 30 Apr 26 14:34:39 +0000

Luxury cruises differ in five key ways: fewer passengers (usually under 700, often under 300), spacious suite-only or suite-heavy cabin configurations, near one-to-one crew-to-guest ratios, all-inclusive pricing that covers drinks, dining, excursions, gratuities, and Wi-Fi, and more exclusive port itineraries including smaller destinations and overnight stays that larger ships cannot do. The pace is unhurried, the service is personalised, and the focus is on the destination and your experience — not keeping you aboard spending money.

How much does an expedition cruise cost?

Thu, 30 Apr 26 14:32:54 +0000

Expedition cruises are among the most expensive cruise categories because of the remote destinations, small ship sizes, and specialist staff. Antarctic expeditions typically range from CAD $8,000 to $30,000+ per person for a 10–21 night voyage, depending on cabin category and cruise line. Galápagos and Arctic voyages are similarly priced. Alaska expedition cruises can start closer to CAD $5,000. Most expedition fares are highly inclusive — transfers, excursions, parkas, and specialist guides are typically bundled in the price.

How fit do I need to be for an expedition cruise?

Thu, 30 Apr 26 14:31:24 +0000

Fitness requirements vary by destination and itinerary. Most expedition cruises offer a range of activity levels — from leisurely Zodiac wildlife viewing (no fitness required) to guided hikes and kayaking (moderate fitness). Antarctica and Arctic sailings involve stepping in and out of inflatable Zodiacs, which requires reasonable mobility. The ships themselves are completely accessible, with no fitness requirement for onboard activities. We recommend discussing your mobility level with us so we can match you to the right expedition and activity program.

How is an expedition cruise different from a regular cruise?

Thu, 30 Apr 26 14:17:17 +0000

A regular ocean cruise visits popular port cities on a fixed schedule; the ship is the main attraction. An expedition cruise treats the ship as a vehicle for getting to places most people never see. Daily schedules are flexible and adapt to wildlife sightings and weather. Onboard experts — marine biologists, geologists, ornithologists — give lectures and lead Zodiac landings. Dress code is practical layers, not formal nights. The experience is closer to a guided wilderness expedition than a resort holiday at sea.

Where do expedition cruises go?

Thu, 30 Apr 26 14:16:03 +0000

Expedition cruises visit destinations that are inaccessible or impractical by land or conventional ship. Top destinations include Antarctica (November–March), the Arctic and Svalbard (June–August), the Galápagos Islands (year-round), Alaska's Inside Passage and Glacier Bay (May–September), Patagonia and Cape Horn, the Amazon River, Canada's Arctic and Northwest Passage, Iceland, and Norway's fjords. Some expedition ships also sail the Pacific Islands, the Kimberley coast of Australia, and remote regions of Southeast Asia and Greenland.

What is an expedition cruise?

Thu, 30 Apr 26 14:14:11 +0000

An expedition cruise is small-ship travel to remote or off-the-beaten-path destinations that larger cruise ships cannot reach — places like Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galápagos Islands, Patagonia, and the Norwegian fjords. Ships carry between 50 and 500 passengers and are purpose-built for polar and wilderness conditions. The focus is wildlife, nature, and guided shore excursions led by onboard naturalists, scientists, and local experts, rather than onboard entertainment. Expedition cruises trade casino and waterpark for glaciers and penguins.

What is the best time of year for a European river cruise?

Thu, 30 Apr 26 14:13:05 +0000

The most popular season is April through October, when weather is warm, flowers and vineyards are in bloom, and Christmas market cruises run November through December. Spring (April–May) offers tulip season in the Netherlands and fewer crowds. Summer (June–August) is busiest and warmest. Autumn (September–October) brings harvest season, wine festivals, and golden foliage along the Rhine and Douro. Christmas market cruises in December are among the most sought-after river cruise experiences and book up a full year in advance.

Is river cruising right for me?

Thu, 30 Apr 26 14:11:24 +0000

River cruising suits travelers who want to focus on destinations rather than onboard activities, prefer an intimate atmosphere over a mega-ship resort, enjoy included cultural excursions, and like the convenience of waking up in a new city each day. It is particularly popular with travelers over 50, couples, and those returning to Europe who want to go deeper into a region rather than skimming multiple countries. It is not ideal for families with young children or travelers seeking water parks and casinos.